Dan Brown: The Lost SymbolHis newest novel is full of spiritual truths, historical facts, and information about our nation's forefathers, many of whom were members of the Masons. An exciting story even if there are some gaps in logic that left me shaking my head. He's not the best writer, but he does a lot of research into his subject matter.

Patricia Panahi: God Outside the Box: A Story of Breaking FreeI enjoyed Patricia's book and related to her spiritual quest and exploration of many different paths, religions and beliefs. The daughter of a Muslim father and Catholic mother, Patricia grew up in Iran and later came to the United States, where she began her quest to find God "outside the box". From rebirthing to shamanism,Hinduism to metaphysics, I felt like I was reliving my own spiritual journey. Patricia explores many concepts and ideas in her book, such as synchronicity, reincarnation, and sacred contracts. I was never bored. In fact, I didn't want the book to end. I'm now looking forward to her next book

Deepak Chopra: The Third Jesus: The Christ We Cannot IgnoreThe Jesus that Chopra presents to us is a teacher of God consciousness and a walking example of one who lived in this state of consciousness. I most resonate with this Jesus and even those who do not see themselves as Christians will be inspired and fed by the teachings of Jesus as they are presented by Chopra.

Elizabeth Gilbert: Eat Pray LoveA delightful memoir about Gilbert's one-year sabbatical following her divorce. She seeks to find pleasure again in Italy, to find God in an ashram in India, and balance in Indonesia learning from an old medicine man. A spiritual journey (and, in the end, a love story) that is fun, humorous and wonderfully told.

Byron Katie: Loving What IsThis book gives you the key to unlocking the door that can lead to a life of inner peace and joy. If everyone in the world would read this book there would be no more war.

Charles Fillmore: Metaphysical Bible DictionaryBased on the teachings of Jesus Christ, this book provides the esoteric meanings of words, names and places. A valuable resource for all Bible students who want to delve into metaphysical interpretation of scripture.

"Final Gifts"

Yesterday, I attended the funeral of my Aunt Louise. Not caught up in perfectionism, like my (love you, Mom) dear mother, Aunt Louise believed that life was too short and having fun was the most important thing. If you wanted to get a picture in your mind of Aunt Louise, she reminded me a bit of Aunt Bea on the Andy Griffith Show. She had the same smile and sparkle in her eyes and she loved to laugh.

Before the funeral, my aunt's granddaughter pulled me over to the side and shared that before she died, Aunt Louise made the comment that my father had come to help her cross over. It didn't surprise me in the least bit as I thought he might. Before my father died back in 2002, he saw his mother who had died when he was four years old. I had spoken to him alone one day and told him that from my experience working with the dying, that many people had a loved one come to them to help make the transition. He had so longed for her to be the one. And sure emough, before he died he said, "Momma". I knew then that he'd gotten his wish.

In the book, Final Gifts, by hospice nurses Maggie Callanan and Patricia Kelley, the concept of Nearing Death Awarenenss is the primary topic. Nearing Death Awareness includes such things as seeing and communicating with loved ones who have already died and seeing what lies beyond this life (similar to Near Death experiences). These experiences of the dying can be their "final gift" to love ones, if we're aware and don't pass them off as being hallucinations or dreams. Not only are these experiences comforting to the dying, but they also bring comfort to us who are left behind as well.

Knowing that Aunt Louise is now with her little brother--my dad--is a comfort to our whole family. We can picture them telling their stories about the old days and laughing, just like they did at our family gatherings for so many years.

I have selected photographs that make me smile and brighten my day. I hope they will do that for you as well. Click on the photos to see an enlarged view. I invite you to visit often and see what I add to my collection.